Which Of These Retro Coffee Makers Did You Own?
Coffee is universal—but the machines that make it? That’s art. Vintage coffee makers are having a renaissance, fetching jaw-dropping prices among collectors. Whether you love the chrome gleam of the 1950s or the brass drama of Italian design, these caffeine-powered relics prove that great taste never goes out of style—or out of budget. Here are the world's most valuable coffee makers, ranked from "pricey treat" to "you'll need a trust fund for that."
Chemex With Original Wood Collar (1940s) – $500
Before the pour-over was hip, it was high art. The 1940s Chemex—with its hourglass figure and wooden collar—is a museum piece in both design and function. Early versions with blown glass bodies and leather ties can fetch a crisp $500 or more.
Coffee Circle from Berlin, Deutschland, Wikimedia Commons
Gaggia Baby (1970s) – $600
A pop of chrome and orange energy from Italy’s espresso heyday, the Gaggia Baby brought café style into suburban kitchens. Collectors pay around $600 for working, well-kept models—proof that espresso has always been a fashion statement.
Vintage Baby Gaggia espresso machine restoration, Luke Pullicino
Technivorm Moccamaster (Early Editions) – $700
Long before it became the darling of hip cafés, the early Moccamaster was quietly perfecting the art of drip coffee in the Netherlands. Vintage units in funky 1970s colors like avocado green or mustard yellow can sell for $700 or higher.
La Pavoni Europiccola (1960s) – $800
The Europiccola is as Italian as red convertibles and hand gestures. It’s a lever-pull marvel of chrome and brass that still pulls a mean shot. A well-restored model can command $800, and it’ll outlast half the gadgets in your kitchen.
Adam Barkley, Wikimedia Commons
Silex Vacuum Brewer (1930s) – $900
The Silex is a piece of functional glass art—an early vacuum brewer that looks more like a chemistry experiment than a coffee maker. Complete sets with original Bakelite handles and boxes have soared to $900 among collectors of prewar design.
1930’s Silex Vacuum Siphon Coffee Machine Early Pyrex, Strong's Garage
Atomic Coffee Maker by Giordano Robbiati (1950s) – $1,000
Part science fiction, part espresso genius, the Atomic’s rocket-like aluminum body screams 1950s futurism. Made in Milan, it’s one of the most recognizable coffee makers ever built—and collectors happily pay $1,000 or more for pristine originals.
The genericist, Wikimedia Commons
Faema Faemina (1950s) – $1,200
If espresso had a couture line, the Faemina would be its headliner. Sleek, shiny, and full of mid-century Italian glamour, this lever machine now goes for $1,200–$1,500 depending on condition. It’s a little diva, but oh, what crema.
First Coffee Latte with Faema Faemina Coffee Machine., Arty Home
Arrarex Caravel (1950s) – $1,500
The Arrarex Caravel is compact, minimalist, and utterly stylish—like a Vespa for your countertop. Its simple lever design and anodized finish make it a cult favorite. Expect to spend around $1,500–$1,800 for one that hasn’t lived a rough life.
Arrarex Caravel, Daniel Leithinger
Quick Mill Achille Lever Machine (1960s) – $2,000
Built like a tank but polished like a trophy, the Achille was meant for serious espresso nerds before that was even a thing. Vintage models with original pressure gauges and parts regularly sell for around $2,000 and look incredible doing it.
Pulling a shot on the Quick Mill Achille 0996, dpiette
Elektra Micro Casa a Leva (1970s) – $2,500
If espresso were a stage performance, the Elektra Micro Casa would be the star. All gleaming copper, gold, and eagles atop, this Italian showpiece still graces cafés and collectors’ homes alike. Expect to spend $2,500–$3,000 for one that shines.
Faema E61 (1961) – $3,000
This is the espresso machine that revolutionized coffee. The Faema E61 introduced heat-exchanger technology and looks like a chrome spaceship. Restored units go for $3,000–$4,000, and that’s before you’ve even bought the matching tamper.
La San Marco 85-16 (1950s) – $3,500
A rare piece of industrial beauty, the La San Marco 85-16 blends Italian craftsmanship with mechanical bravado. Collectors adore its lever system and art deco profile. When fully restored, expect to pay around $3,500–$4,000 for this beast.
How to program a La San Marco coffee machine, saflario
Gaggia Orione (1950s) – $4,000
The Orione brought professional espresso power to Italian cafés in the postwar era—and now, to collectors with deep pockets. Chrome, brass, and Bakelite come together beautifully, and machines in full working condition fetch $4,000 or more.
Gaggia Orione vintage Cappuccino Espresso Restoration, Unassigned Vlog
Bezzera B3000AL (1960s) – $4,500
Hand-built in Milan and known for its over-the-top engineering, the Bezzera B3000AL remains a favorite among collectors of industrial espresso design. Prices hover near $4,500, especially for models with the original eagle finial still intact.
Bezzera Galatea Domus: Espresso in Retro-Italian Style, Whole Latte Love
Gaggia Classic Prototype (1950s) – $5,000
Before Gaggia became a household name, they built small prototype batches of what would become the “Classic.” These few survivors, often handmade, can hit $5,000–$6,000, making them the espresso world’s equivalent of a concept car.
The Best Gaggia Classic Upgrade! #coffee #gaggia #espresso, @KAP727
La Marzocco GS (1970s) – $7,000
The GS was the first dual-boiler espresso machine, and it set the gold standard for modern coffee. Its stainless steel frame and reliable internals make it both gorgeous and legendary. A restored GS can cost around $7,000—if you can find one.
The Original 1970 La Marzocco GS | Conversations, Coffee Parts
Faema President (1960s) – $8,000
Named like a statesman and designed like a sports car, the Faema President became a status symbol for mid-century cafés. Collectors love its bold curves and illuminated panels. Fully restored models can hit $8,000 or more on the market.
Review: NEW Faema President 2021 | Best Commercial Espresso Machines, Faema Canada
La Pavoni Pub Lusso (1960s) – $9,000
The Lusso is espresso luxury incarnate. Its grand silhouette, brass fittings, and theatrical lever action make it irresistible to collectors. You’ll need to spend $9,000–$10,000 for one that’s in museum-grade condition—but what a centerpiece.
La Pavoni Pub 1V testing, Tulio
Victoria Arduino Venus Bar (1940s) – $12,000
Crowned with a gleaming goddess and draped in Art Deco curves, the Venus Bar is a holy grail for collectors. Built from solid brass, it’s both sculpture and espresso powerhouse. Fully restored units can bring a staggering $12,000 or more.
iliveisl from Portsmouth, USA, Wikimedia Commons
La Marzocco GS/2 Prototype (1980) – $15,000+
The ultimate espresso collectible. Only a handful of GS/2 prototypes were ever made, marking the birth of the modern dual-boiler system. With its brushed steel beauty and mechanical precision, it can command $15,000–$20,000 from serious buyers.
La Marzocco FB80 2EE 2-Group Espresso Coffee Machine - Fully Refurbished, Voltage Coffee Supply
Did You Own Any Of These Retro Coffee Makers?
From sculpted brass icons to rocket-shaped espresso dreams, these machines don’t just brew coffee—they tell stories of invention, design, and obsession. Each one is a tribute to the golden age of coffee craftsmanship, when engineers and artists shared a cup of ambition. So if you ever stumble across one at a flea market (and the seller doesn’t know what they have), say a quiet thank-you to the coffee gods. Then grab it before someone else does.
Peltsi84 J. Pelkonen, Wikimedia Commons
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